ICC World Cup 2019: Retirement Goes in Bin for Back in Form Hashim Amla
Jun 30, 2019 at 5:37 PM
Champion batsman Hashim Amla hadn’t had a start that he would have wanted to in England and Wales. The world-class right-handed batsman Amla got out on six each against India and the Windies. Earlier, in the World Cup opener against England, Amla managed just 13 runs.
However, he backed his instincts by scoring unbeaten 41 at Cardiff against inexperienced Afghanistan. But, then showed his grit by scoring 55 against New Zealand in Birmingham although on the slower side. He failed miserably against Pakistan at Lord’s before slamming fine unbeaten against 80 at Chester-le-Street in Durham.
Amla is the fourth highest run-getter for South Africa. He has garnered 203 runs in seven matches at an average of 40.60.
Despite the mixed brand of cricket, the Durban-born 36-year-old is not any mood to think about retirement from International cricket.
Arguably one of the stalwarts of the Proteas cricket, Amla has amassed 8,113 runs in 181 ODIs. With his batting average reading 49.46. He has further 27 tons and 39 half-centuries under his belt.
Hashim Amla wants to continue for South Africa:
On the other side, Amla has produced some gem of an innings in the Test fold. In 124 Tests, he amassed 9,282 runs at 46.64. He has 28 centuries and 41 fifties to his name.
Interestingly, he has accumulated 1277 runs in 44 T20Is at an average of 33.60 with his average surprisingly reading 132.05.
Apart from Virat Kohli’s staggering run in the ODI cricket, in particular, Amla has also some records to his name.
Unsure about his appearance for another World Cup campaign in 2023, Amla conceded he’s fit and hints about continuing his services for the Proteas team.
By 2023, I am would be 40 and it seems highly unlikely that Cricket South Africa (CSA) would entrust him for the 13th edition of the World Cup. But again, who knows what would be in the store for one of the greatest all-time batsmen.
“It’s a long time. Once this World Cup is done, (I’ll) get home and chill with the family… and yeah. I’m feeling really good, fit, If selected,” ToI quoted, Amla as saying.
Du Plessis backs Amla for his choice:
While speaking on Amla, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis maintained the former wants to keep on going, and it’s wise to leave it up to him to make a decision.
“
He said he wants to keep going, so, you know, I think you leave it to a great player to make that decision himself,” Du Plessis said.
Meanwhile, the Proteas World Cup campaign has come to a disappointing end. They managed just to wins in eight matches so far. In their last league game, South Africa will take on Australia at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday (July 6).